Story County, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 9th-largest in Iowa
The population of Story County, Iowa is 98,592 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest county in Iowa. The median household income is $69,006, the median home value is $243,600, and the median age is 27.0.
The population of Story County has grown 14.3% since 2010 (89,661 → 102,498), a +0.96% annualized rate.
98,592
Population
+0.96%
Annual growth
172
People / sq mi
$69,006
Median Income
$243,600
Median Home Value
Story County covers 573 sq mi of land at 172.2 people per square mile.
About Story County, IA
Story County skews on age — the median resident is 27.0, younger than the national median. With 98,592 residents, Story County is a county in Iowa. It is the #9-largest of all counties in Iowa nationally.
The typical household here earns about $69,006, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US counties at 5.1%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $243,600, with typical rent around $1,019.
Story County is among the best-educated US counties: 53.3% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, above the national 35.0%. About 10.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Story County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Story County had a population of 89,661 in 2010 and 102,498 in 2024, a 14.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 102,498 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.96%.
102,498
Population (2024)
89,661
Population (2010)
102,498
Peak (2024)
0.96%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 89,661 |
| 2011 | 91,164 |
| 2012 | 92,046 |
| 2013 | 93,938 |
| 2014 | 95,894 |
| 2015 | 96,744 |
| 2016 | 97,012 |
| 2017 | 97,335 |
| 2018 | 96,749 |
| 2019 | 97,441 |
| 2020 | 98,651 |
| 2021 | 99,683 |
| 2022 | 99,995 |
| 2023 | 101,501 |
| 2024 | 102,498 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 82.8% |
| Black or African American | 2.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
27.0
Median Age
47.8%
Female
52.2%
Male
12.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.7% · Seniors (65+): 12.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $69,006$-4,141 vs state |
| Mean household income | $95,068 |
| Per-capita income | $37,933 |
| Poverty rate | 5.1%-1.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Story County is professional & business services, accounting for 35.3% of workers.
How residents commute
4.0%
Drive alone
5.7%
Carpool
70.8%
Public transit
10.9%
Work from home
18.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$243,600+$47,700 vs state
Median home value
$1,019
Median rent
56.0%
Homeownership rate
41,642
Total housing units
93.0%
Occupied
7.0%
Vacant
44.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.4%
With health insurance
96.6%
With broadband internet
29.4%
Foreign-born
4.4%
Veterans (18+)
9.2%
With a disability
89.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
97.1%
High School+
53.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Iowa
Other counties in Iowa
Part of Iowa
Metro areas in Iowa
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Story County, Iowa has a population of 98,592 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest county in Iowa. Population density is 172 people per square mile.
The population of Story County has grown 14.3% since 2010 (89,661 → 102,498), a +0.96% annualized rate.
The median household income in Story County, Iowa is $69,006, with mean (average) household income of $95,068 and per-capita income of $37,933. 5.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Story County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (82.8%), Black or African American (2.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Story County, Iowa is 27.0 years. Residents are 47.8% female and 52.2% male.
The median home value in Story County is $243,600 and median monthly rent is $1,019. 56.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 41,642 total housing units, 7.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Story County, Iowa is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 35.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Des Moines is among the largest cities associated with Story County, Iowa, with a population of 212,464.
Story County, IA Climate
Story County, IA has an average annual temperature of 8.9°C (48°F) and receives about 858 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
8.9°C
Avg Temp
858
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -8° / 17° | 20 mm |
| February | -4° / 24° | 24 mm |
| March | 2° / 36° | 54 mm |
| April | 9° / 49° | 84 mm |
| May | 16° / 61° | 107 mm |
| June | 21° / 70° | 128 mm |
| July | 23° / 74° | 109 mm |
| August | 22° / 71° | 107 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 87 mm |
| October | 11° / 51° | 66 mm |
| November | 2° / 36° | 43 mm |
| December | -5° / 23° | 29 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Story County, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Story County, IA are typically August, June and July, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 29°C high). The coldest is January (near -13°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Story County
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Top-rated places to stay near Story County
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Iowa
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.